JP2011101708A - Device corresponding to each machine, and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device corresponding to each machine and a game system, which are capable of improving the convenience in a jackpot ball game. <P>SOLUTION: When a game card associated with jackpot ball data is inserted into a card insertion/discharge portion and the ID of the game card is read by a card reader/writer portion, game balls are put out onto a game machine based on the jackpot ball data without the operation of a jackpot ball put-out button. When the value in the jackpot ball data is 3,000 and the value of prepaid balance is 5,000 yen (50 in frequency) (as shown in Fig.(a)), 125 game balls are put out onto an upper tray of the game machine. When the value in the own ball data is 110 and there is no prepaid balance (as shown in Fig.(c)), 110 game balls corresponding to the jackpot ball data are put out onto the upper tray of the game machine. When there is no value in the jackpot ball data and the value of prepaid balance is 5,000 yen (50 in frequency) (as shown in Fig.(d)), no game ball is put out onto the upper tray of the game machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a machine corresponding to each machine provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a game machine using a game medium, and a gaming system including the machine corresponding to each machine.

  A large number of game machines are installed in the game store. In each game stand, a game using a game medium is performed. Recently, each game machine has been provided with a dedicated device corresponding to each machine (for example, Patent Document 1). Each device-compatible device has a counting function for counting game media ejected from the corresponding game table. A game medium (for example, a game ball) discharged from a game machine is automatically counted by each device corresponding to the game machine.

  Each device corresponding to each device can count the game media discharged from each game device, and store the counted number of balls in association with the game card as possession data. The player can play the game again on another game table using the possession data, and can exchange the possession data for a prize. There is no separate usage fee for games that use the game data (hereinafter referred to as “mochitama game”).

JP 2007-229111 A

When a game is played again on another game machine, a game card with a value of the possession data is inserted, and a predetermined button is operated to pay out the possession ball to the game machine. However, it is troublesome for the player to be required to perform such two different operations in order to play the game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a game system that can improve the convenience of the game.

  The invention described in claim 1 is a device corresponding to each device (1; 50) provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a game table (2) for playing a game using a game medium, which is owned by a player. A storage medium reception unit (25, 29; 62, 70) for receiving storage media associated with the ball data related to the game balls, and a counting unit (for counting the game media discharged from the game table) 26; 63), a ball payout operation executing means (35, 24; 75, 61) for executing a payout operation for paying out game media to the player based on the ball data, and the counting unit. The number of game media counted is allowed to be added to the value of the possession ball data, and the number of game media paid out by the payout operation by the possession ball payout operation execution means is determined from the value of the possession ball data. Authorization means to allow subtraction 35; 75), and in response to acceptance of the storage medium by the storage medium acceptance unit, provided that there is a value of the possession data associated with the storage medium accepted by the storage medium acceptance unit, The device corresponding to each of the vehicles is characterized by including response payout means (35; 75) for executing a payout operation by the holding ball payout operation executing means and paying out a game medium to a player.

The numbers in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiments. The same applies hereinafter.
According to the configuration of the first aspect, the payout operation is executed in response to the reception of the storage medium by the storage medium reception unit, and the game medium is immediately paid out to the player. Therefore, the game medium is paid out without operating the operating means for operating the payout of the ball. Therefore, the trouble of operating the operating means can be saved, and the convenience in the holding game can be improved.

  It is also conceivable that the player causes the storage medium receiving means to accept the storage medium by mistake. In this case, the game medium is paid out to the player in accordance with the erroneous acceptance of the storage medium, and the value of the possession data is subtracted by a number corresponding to the payout number. However, if the paid game medium is counted again by the counting unit, the number corresponding to the game medium is added to the value of the ball data, and the value of the ball data can be restored. In that case, there is no additional fee for the player and no loss is incurred for the player.

The invention according to claim 2 is the device for each device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined number is set as the number of game media to be paid out by the response payout means.
According to the configuration of claim 2, when the storage medium is received by the storage medium reception unit, a predetermined number of game media are paid out. Since the predetermined set number is set, it is possible to prevent a large amount of game media from being paid out.

Further, a management device is provided in association with each device, and the set number of game media may be managed by this management device. The setting number of the game media may be set / changeable by an input means (9) provided in association with the management device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the value of the ball data associated with the storage medium received by the storage medium reception means is less than a value corresponding to the set number, the response payout means The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a number of game media corresponding to the value of the possession data is paid out.

According to the configuration of claim 3, when the value of the possession ball data is smaller than the value corresponding to the set number, the number of game media corresponding to the value of the possession data is paid out. Thereby, by accepting the storage medium, the player can obtain as many game media as possible.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium is associated with lending data relating to lending of game media together with the possession data, and each of the devices corresponding to each device is provided with a player based on the lending data. A lending operation execution means for executing a payout operation for paying out game media to the lending data; and the permission means subtracts the number of game media to be paid out to the player by the lending operation execution means from the lending data. Lending data subtraction permission means (35) for permitting the operation, and the response payout means executes only the payout operation by the ball payout operation executing means without executing the payout operation by the lending operation executing means. It is an apparatus corresponding to each stand as described in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to the configuration of claim 4, when the storage medium associated with both the lending data and the possession data is received by the storage medium reception unit, the game medium is paid out based only on the possession data.
If the game medium is paid out based on the rental data, if the storage medium is erroneously received, the game data paid out based on the erroneous reception may be counted again by the counting unit. Is not added, and the ball rental data cannot be restored. In that case, the player may suffer a disadvantage.

On the other hand, in this configuration, since the payout of the game medium is not performed based on the loan data, it is possible to prevent the game medium from being paid out from the loan data based on the erroneous insertion of the game card.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium is associated with lending data relating to lending of game media together with the possession data, and each of the devices corresponding to each player is provided with a player based on the lending data. A lending operation execution means for executing a payout operation for paying out game media to the lending data; and the permission means subtracts the number of game media to be paid out to the player by the lending operation execution means from the lending data. Lending data subtraction permission means (35) for permitting, and when the response payout means has a predetermined value or more, the payout action is not executed by the lending operation execution means, Only the payout operation performed by the holding ball payout operation executing means is executed, and when the value of the held ball data is less than a predetermined number, the payout operation by the lending operation executing means is executed. To a respective elevators corresponding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

  According to the configuration of claim 5, when the storage medium associated with both the lending data and the possession data is received by the storage medium reception unit, the game medium is paid out based only on the possession data, and the possession When the value of the ball data is less than a predetermined number (for example, 0), the game medium is paid out (rented) based on the rental data. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience in the game of holding balls while suppressing the decrease in the rental data as much as possible.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a table corresponding device (1; 50) provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game table (2) for playing a game using a game medium, and information relating to the table corresponding device. A game system comprising a management device (3) for managing game data, and a game data storage means (7) for storing game data relating to game balls that are game media owned by the player; A storage medium receiving unit (25, 29; 62, 70) for receiving a storage medium associated with the ball data, a counting unit (26; 63) for counting game media discharged from the game table, A ball payout operation executing means (35, 24; 75, 61) for executing a payout operation for paying out a game medium to a player based on the ball data stored in the ball data storage means, and the counting The number of game media counted by Addition / subtraction means (6) for adding to the value of the ball data and subtracting the number of game media paid out by the payout operation by the ball payout operation execution means from the value of the ball data, and the storage medium receiving unit In response to acceptance of the storage medium by the storage medium accepting unit, the payout operation by the possession ball payout operation executing means is performed on condition that there is a value of the possession ball data associated with the received storage medium. The game system includes response payout means (35; 75) that executes and pays out game media to the player.

According to the structure of Claim 6, there exists an effect similar to the effect described in relation to the invention of Claim 1.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the gaming system provides the player with a rental data storage means (8) for storing rental data relating to rental of game media, and rental data stored in the rental data storage means. And a lending operation executing means for executing a paying-out operation for paying out game media. The storage medium accepting unit accepts the storage medium associated with the possession data and the lending data, and the addition / subtraction The means includes lending data subtracting means (6) for subtracting the number of game media to be paid out to the player by the lending operation executing means from the lending data, and the response paying means is paying out by the lending operation executing means. 7. The gaming system according to claim 6, wherein only the payout operation by the ball payout operation executing means is executed without executing the operation. .

  According to the structure of Claim 7, there exists an effect similar to the effect described in relation to the invention of Claim 4.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game store in which the unit between tables (each apparatus corresponding apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is installed. It is a front view for demonstrating the arrangement configuration of the unit between tables shown in FIG. 1, and a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the unit between tables shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of game card insertion. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the number of balls and the prepaid balance associated with the game card, and the payout of balls / rental balls when the game card is inserted. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of game card insertion of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the number of balls and the prepaid balance associated with the game card, and the payout of balls / rental balls when the game card is inserted. It is a front view which shows roughly the counting unit (each stand corresponding | compatible apparatus) and CR unit concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the counting unit shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game store in which an inter-unit unit (each unit-compatible device) 1 according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention is installed. In the gaming store, a plurality of gaming tables 2 and inter-unit units 1 associated with each gaming table 2 on a one-to-one basis are installed. The inter-unit unit 1 has a lending function for lending game media to be used for a game in the corresponding gaming table 2 and a counting function for counting the gaming media discharged from the corresponding gaming table 2.

In the gaming store, the gaming table 2 and the inter-unit unit 1 are arranged together in a predetermined number unit, and the gaming table 2 and the inter-unit unit 1 constitute one gaming island. A plurality of similar game islands are provided in the game store.
In the game store, a management device 3, a prize payout device 4, and a prize management device 5 are installed. The management device 3 is for managing data relating to the rental of gaming media and data relating to counting of gaming media. The management device 3 includes a control unit 6 that controls the management device 3, a possession data storage unit 7 as a possession data storage unit that stores the possession data of the player, and a prepaid balance data (rental) of the player Prepaid balance storage unit (lending data storage unit) 8 for storing the ball data) and an input operation unit (input unit) 9 for an employee of the game store to input predetermined information to the control unit 6 And. “Mochitama data” means that the player owns a part or all of the number of game media obtained on the day of the game of the player in the form of numerical data, and is managed by the management device 3. ing. Each island controller 10 and the prize management device 5 are connected to the management device 3.

The premium management device 5 manages the overall premium management processing and is connected to the management device 3. Among the prizes to be exchanged, special prizes are paid out from the prize payout device 4.
In the game store, when a player inserts cash into the inter-unit 1 corresponding to the game table 2, a game card (storage medium) is issued from the inter-unit 1. This game card is associated with a prepaid balance, and further, as will be described later, associated ball data.

Specifically, with the issuance of the game card, the prepaid balance is stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8 in association with the card ID of the gaming card. Then, the gaming media can be lent out within the range of the prepaid balance.
A player plays a game using the rented game media. When a game medium is lent out in the inter-unit unit 1, a prepaid value corresponding to the number of rented game media is subtracted from the prepaid balance stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8.

  A game medium (a prize ball or the like) discharged from the game table 2 is sent to the inter-unit unit 1 and counted. When the inter-unit unit 1 counts the discharged game media, the inter-unit unit 1 transmits the count data to the management device 3 via the corresponding island controller 10. The management device 3 manages the transmitted count data. When the count data is transmitted to the management device 3, the count data is stored in the possession data storage unit 7 in association with the card ID of the card as possession data. When the game media discharged from the game table 2 are further counted in the inter-unit unit 1, the count data corresponding to the number of game media is the value of the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7. Is added to In addition, when a game game is performed on the game table 2 and a game medium is paid out from the inter-unit unit 1 as a game ball, a value corresponding to the number of game media paid out is stored in the game data storage unit 7. Subtracted from the stored holding data.

If the card return operation is performed in the state where there is possession data at the end of the game on the game table 2, the game card associated with the possession data is discharged. The player can play a game on another game stand 2 using this possessed ball data, or exchange prizes in the prize management device 5.
When a prize is exchanged, a player hands a game card to an employee of a game store. The employee causes the prize management device 5 to read the card ID recorded on the handed game card. In the prize management device 5, the possession data stored in the possession data storage unit 7 of the management device 3 is exchanged for a prize. When the prize exchange is completed, the prize management device 5 transmits the prize exchange data to the management device 3. Then, the management device 3 subtracts the value of the ball data required for the prize exchange from the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7.

In addition, when there is ball data after the game table 2 is finished, the player can play the game again on another game table 2 using the ball data.
FIG. 2 is a front view for explaining the arrangement configuration of the inter-unit unit 1 and the game table 2. First, the gaming table 2 will be described. Hereinafter, a case where the gaming table 2 is a pachinko machine that performs a game using a game ball as a gaming medium will be described as an example.

  On the front surface of the game table 2, a handle 12 for adjusting the momentum of a game ball to be fired from a launching device (not shown) toward the game board 11, and a game to be fired from the launching device toward the game board 11 An upper plate 13 for storing balls and a lower plate 14 for receiving game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 13 are provided. Further, the game stand 2 has a built-in ball lending device 18 (see FIG. 2) for paying out game balls as lending balls supplied to the upper plate 14.

  On the front surface of the upper plate 13, a prepaid balance display unit 15 that displays a prepaid balance stored in association with a game card inserted in a card insertion / ejection unit 25 (described later) of the inter-unit unit 1 by frequency. A lending button 16 that is pushed when receiving a game ball using a prepaid balance (ball rental data) recorded in association with the game card, and a game card when the game on the game table 2 is terminated. A card return button 17 that is pushed to be returned (discharged) is provided.

Next, the inter-unit unit 1 will be described. The inter-unit unit 1 is arranged on the left side or the right side (the left side in FIG. 2) of the corresponding game table 2. Each inter-unit 1 is arranged in a state of being sandwiched between adjacent game tables 2.
On the front surface of the main body 20 of the inter-unit unit 1, there are a state display unit 21, a bill insertion unit 22, a display / operation unit 23, a ball payout unit (ball dispenser operation execution means) 24, and a card insertion / discharge unit (storage medium) (Reception part) 25 is provided in this order from the top. Further, in the main body 20 of the inter-unit unit 1, a ball counting unit 26 is disposed below the card insertion / discharge unit 25 in a front view.

The state display unit 21 displays whether or not the game ball lending operation and the game ball counting operation are possible, for example, by emitting light in a predetermined color or pattern. The state display unit 21 is turned on when, for example, a lending operation and a counting operation are possible.
The banknote insertion part 22 is a vertically long slit that accepts a player's banknote, and is connected to a banknote identification part 27 (see FIG. 3) provided in the main body 20. The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion unit 22 is identified by the banknote identification unit 27 as to whether it is legitimate.

The display / operation unit 23 includes a small screen, numeric keys, buttons, and the like. With this display / operation unit 23, predetermined information can be input to each inter-unit 1.
The holding ball dispensing unit 24 includes a nozzle 28 that extends rightward to a position directly above the upper plate 13 of the game table 2, and is for dispensing the game ball from the tip of the nozzle 28 to the upper plate 13. When a holding ball payout button 33 (described later) is operated, a predetermined number of game balls are supplied from the nozzle 28 to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2.

  The card insertion / ejection unit 25 is a vertically long slit that inserts or ejects a game card in which predetermined information including a card ID is recorded. This game card can be purchased at a card vending machine (not shown) installed in the game store, and several game cards are preloaded in the inter-unit unit 1. The card ID of the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 is read by a card R / W (Read / Write) unit (storage medium reception unit) 29 built in the inter-unit unit 1. When a card return operation is performed at the end of the game on the gaming table 2, the game card is discharged from the card insertion / discharge unit 25 and returned to the user.

  The ball counting unit (counting unit) 26 is for counting game balls discharged from the game table 2. The ball counting unit 26 is connected to a tubular passage 30 extending rightward from a lower end portion of the inter-unit unit 1 to a position directly below a discharge port (not shown) of the lower plate 14 of the game table 2, and a right end portion of the passage 30. In addition, a tray-shaped ball storage unit 31 disposed directly below the lower plate 14 is integrally provided. And parts in the main body 20 other than the ball counting part 26 and the ball paying part 24 are parts having the lending function described above.

The front of the ball storage unit 31 has a ball display unit 32 for displaying the value of the ball data stored in association with the game card, and when the game ball is paid out using the ball data. A holding ball payout button 33 to be pushed is disposed.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the inter-unit unit 1.
Each inter-unit 1 is provided with a control unit 35 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 35 includes a status display unit 21, a bill identification unit 27, a display / operation unit 23, a ball payout unit 24, a card R / W unit 29, a ball counting unit 26, a communication I / F unit 41, a time measuring unit 42, The memory unit 43 and the game table I / F unit 44 are electrically connected to each other. Here, the time measuring unit 42 measures an elapsed time from the predetermined operation.

The communication I / F unit 41 and the island controller 10 are communicably connected, and the gaming table I / F unit 44 and the gaming table 2 (the gaming table 2 corresponding to the inter-unit unit 1) are communicably connected. Has been.
In a state where the game card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 (see FIG. 2), the card ID read from the game card by the card R / W unit 29 is given to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 communicates with the management device 3 via the communication I / F unit 41, and the prepaid balance stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8 in association with the card ID and the card ID from the management device 3. The value of the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7 in association with is acquired. When the value (frequency) of the prepaid balance acquired by the control unit 35 is smaller than a predetermined minimum payout frequency (for example, 5 times), the control unit 35 discharges the game card from the card insertion / discharge port 25. Return it to the player. In this case, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the prepaid balance may be paid out to the player by driving the ball lending payout device 18 described below before discharging the game card.

The control unit 35 displays the value (frequency) of the prepaid balance on the prepaid balance display unit 15, and displays the value of the ball data on the ball display unit 32.
When the lending button 16 is operated with the gaming card inserted, the control unit (lending operation execution means) 35 sends a signal (lending request) regarding gaming ball lending to the gaming table 2 via the gaming table I / F unit 44. Signal / lending signal) (execution of lending operation by lending operation executing means). When these signals are given, the control unit (not shown) of the game table 2 drives the ball lending device 18 to pay out the game balls and supply them to the upper plate 13. In addition, the control unit 35 transmits the card ID and the information regarding the ball rental to the management device 3 via the communication I / F unit 41. The control unit 6 of the management device 3 subtracts the value (frequency) used for the ball rental from the prepaid balance stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8.

  On the other hand, when the possession ball payout button 33 is operated in the inserted state of the game card, the control unit 35 drives the possession ball dispensing unit 24 to dispense the game ball and supplies it to the upper plate 13 through the nozzle 28. In addition, the control unit 35 transmits the card ID and information about the holding ball to the management device 3 via the communication I / F unit 41. The control unit 6 of the management device 3 subtracts a value corresponding to the game ball used for the game of the ball from the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7.

The feature of this embodiment is that when a game card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, the game ball is paid out immediately within the range of the value of the holding ball without operating the holding ball payout button 33 (immediate payout). ) Point.
The memory unit 43 is provided with a setting content storage unit 45 for storing “immediate payout” conditions for paying out game balls immediately upon insertion of a game card. In addition, the memory unit 43 stores necessary information such as operation conditions of the inter-unit units 1.

  Specifically, the setting content storage unit 45 stores the number of game balls to be paid out at the time of “immediate payout” (hereinafter referred to as “set number”). The setting content storage unit 45 also stores whether or not “immediate payout” is executed. The number of settings stored in the setting content storage unit 45 is changed using the input operation unit 9. When the employee operates the input operation unit 9, an input signal corresponding to the operation is given to the control unit 35, and the control unit 35 rewrites the contents of the set number described in the setting content storage unit 45. For example, 125 is set as the set number.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a game card is inserted.
When the game card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, the card ID of the inserted game card is read by the card R / W unit 29 and given to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 transmits / receives to / from the management device 3 and is stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8 corresponding to the card ID and stored in the coin data storage unit 7 corresponding to the card ID. Get the data for the holdings. Then, it is checked whether there is a value in the possessed ball data, that is, whether the value of the retained ball data is 1 or more (step S2).

If there is a value in the possessed ball data (YES in step S2), then the value of the retained ball data is equal to or larger than the value corresponding to the set number (for example, 125) stored in the setting content storage unit 45 of the memory unit 43. Whether it is or not (step S4).
If the value of the possessed ball data is equal to or greater than the value corresponding to the set number (YES in step S4), the set number (for example, 125) is set as the number of retained balls to be dispensed (step S5), A set number of game balls (for example, 125) are paid out from 24. The game balls paid out from the holding ball payout unit 24 are supplied to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 through the nozzles 28 (step S6). And the control part 35 transmits the paid-out number of balls to the management apparatus 3, and the process regarding card insertion is complete | finished. The control unit 6 of the management device 3 subtracts a value corresponding to the number of paid out balls from the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7. Further, the control unit 35 subtracts the display of the holding ball display unit 32 in accordance with the subtraction of the holding ball data.

  If the value of the possessed ball data is less than the value corresponding to the set number (for example, 110) (NO in step S4), the number corresponding to the value of the retained ball data (for example, 110) as the number of retained balls to be paid out. Is set (step S7), and the number of game balls (for example, 110 balls) corresponding to the value of the ball data is paid out from the ball payout unit 24. The game balls paid out from the holding ball payout unit 24 are supplied to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 through the nozzles 28 (step S8). And the control part 35 transmits the paid-out number of balls to the management apparatus 3, and the process regarding card insertion is complete | finished. The control unit 35 of the management device 3 subtracts a value corresponding to the number of balls that have been paid out from the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7. Further, the control unit 35 subtracts the display of the holding ball display unit 32 in accordance with the subtraction of the holding ball data, and “0” is displayed on the holding ball display unit 32.

  On the other hand, if there is no value in the possession data (NO in step S2), it is checked whether or not the game card has a prepaid balance (step S3). If the game card has a prepaid balance (YES in step S3), the game card shifts to a lending process standby state and waits for the lending button 16 to be operated by the player. On the other hand, if the game card does not have a prepaid balance (NO in step S3), the processing related to the card insertion ends.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of possessed balls and the prepaid balance associated with the game card, and the payout of the possessed ball / rented ball when the game card is inserted. In this case, the setting content storage unit 45 of the memory unit 43 stores, for example, that “instant payout” of the holding ball is executed and that the set number at that time is 125.
Specifically, when there are more than the set number of possession data associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 and there is a prepaid balance associated with the game card, the possession data is specifically held. When the value of the ball data is 3000 and the value of the prepaid balance is 5000 yen (50 degrees) (see FIG. 5A), 125 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. Then, 125 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7.

  Specifically, when there are more than the set number of possession data values associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, and there is no prepaid balance associated with the game card, specifically, When the value of the ball data is 3000 and there is no prepaid balance (see FIG. 5B), 125 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. Then, 125 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7.

  Although there is a value of the possession data associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, it is less than the value corresponding to the set number, and there is no prepaid balance associated with the game card. In this case, specifically, when the value of the possession data is 110 and there is no prepaid balance (see FIG. 5C), 110 pieces of coins corresponding to the value of the possession data are placed on the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. A game ball is paid out. Then, 110 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7, the value of the ball data becomes 0, and the value of the ball data disappears from the ball data storage unit 7.

  If there is no value of the possession data associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 and there is a prepaid balance associated with the game card, specifically, When there is no value and the value of the prepaid balance is 5000 yen (50 degrees) (see FIG. 5D), no game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. Further, there is no subtraction from the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7. Thereafter, if a lending operation is performed, ball lending using the prepaid balance is performed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, in response to the insertion of the game card into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, the holding ball dispensing unit 24 is driven, and the game ball is immediately dispensed to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. Therefore, the game balls (mochitama) are paid out without operating the ball payout button 33. Therefore, it is possible to quickly start the game without the trouble of operating the holding ball payout button 33, and it is possible to improve the convenience in the holding ball game.

  It is also conceivable that a store clerk or a player inserts a game card into the card insertion / ejecting unit 25 in order to confirm the prepaid balance or the balance of possession data. In that case, with the insertion of the game card, the game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2, and the number corresponding to this payout is subtracted from the holding ball data. However, if the paid-out game balls are counted again by the ball counting unit 26, the number corresponding to the game balls is added to the ball data, and the ball data can be restored. In that case, there is no additional fee for the player and no loss is incurred for the player.

Furthermore, “immediate payout” of game balls is performed based only on the possession ball data.
For example, suppose that “immediate payout” of a game ball is performed based on a prepaid balance, and if a game card is erroneously inserted, the game ball paid out based on this erroneous insertion is counted again by the counting unit. However, it is not added to the prepaid balance, and the prepaid balance cannot be restored. In that case, the player may suffer a disadvantage.

In contrast, in this embodiment, “immediate payout” of game balls is not performed based on the prepaid balance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game balls from being paid out based on the rental data due to erroneous insertion of the game card.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow when the game card is inserted according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the game card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, the card ID of the inserted game card is read by the card R / W unit 29 and given to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 determines whether or not the inserted game card is associated with the holding ball function (step S11). Specifically, when there is a game card having a holding ball function and a game card not having a holding ball function, and the card ID is different between the two, the presence / absence of the holding function can be determined based on the card ID. it can. If the gaming card has a possession function (YES in step S11), the control unit 35 transmits / receives to / from the management device 3 and is stored in the prepaid balance storage unit 8 corresponding to the card ID. The prepaid balance and the possession data stored in the possession data storage unit 7 corresponding to the card ID are acquired. Then, it is checked whether there is a value in this ball data, that is, whether the value of the ball data is 1 or more (step S12). If there is a value in the possessed ball data (YES in step S12), then, whether the value of the retained ball data is equal to or greater than the set number (for example, 125) stored in the setting content storage unit 45 of the memory unit 43. Is checked (step S14). If the value of the possession ball data is equal to or greater than the set number (YES in step S14), the set number of game balls are paid out and supplied to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 (steps S15 and S16), and this card is inserted. The process related to is completed. If the value of the possession ball data is less than the value corresponding to the set number (NO in step S14), the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the possession data is paid out, and the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 (Steps S17 and S18), and the processing relating to the card insertion ends. Each process of step S12, S14, S15, S16, S17, and S18 in FIG. 6 is the same process as S2, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the gaming card is not associated with the holding function (NO in step S11), if the gaming card has a prepaid balance (YES in step S22), the state shifts to a lending process standby state, and the gaming card has a prepaid balance. If not (NO in step S22), the processing in FIG. 6 is terminated.
If there is no value in the ball data associated with the game card (NO in step S12), it is checked whether or not the game card has a prepaid balance (step S13). If the game card has a prepaid balance (YES in step S13), it is checked whether or not the value (frequency) of the prepaid balance is equal to or greater than a frequency (in this case, 5) corresponding to a set number (for example, 125) ( Step S19). If the frequency of the prepaid balance is equal to or higher than that frequency (YES in step S19), a signal for lending processing (lending request signal, lending signal) is output to the gaming machine 2 (step S21). Then, a control device (not shown) of the gaming table 2 controls the lending / dispensing device 18 to pay out the set number of game balls. The frequency corresponding to the number of payouts is subtracted from the prepaid balance in the prepaid balance storage unit 8. Then, the paid-out game balls are supplied to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2. Then, it shifts to a lending process standby state. If the value of the prepaid balance is less than the value corresponding to the set number (NO in step S19), the process shifts to a lending process standby state without outputting a signal for lending process. Then, it waits for the lending button 16 to be operated by the player.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of possessed balls and the prepaid balance associated with the game card, and the payout of the possessed balls / rented balls when the game card is inserted. In this case, as in the case of the first embodiment, the setting contents of the memory unit 43 store, for example, that “immediate payout” of the holding ball is executed and that the setting number at that time is 125. Yes.
Specifically, when there are more than the set number of possession data associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 and there is a prepaid balance associated with the game card, the possession data is specifically held. When the value of the ball data is 3000 and the value of the prepaid balance is 5000 yen (50 degrees), 125 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 as in FIG. Then, 125 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7.

  Specifically, when there are more than the set number of possession data values associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, and there is no prepaid balance associated with the game card, specifically, When the value of the ball data is 3000 and there is no prepaid balance, 125 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 as in FIG. Then, 125 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7.

  Although there is a value of the possession data associated with the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25, it is less than the value corresponding to the set number, and there is no prepaid balance associated with the game card. In this case, specifically, if the value of the possession ball data is 110 and there is no prepaid balance, 110 pieces of coins corresponding to the value of the possession ball data are placed on the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 as in FIG. A game ball is paid out. Then, 110 is subtracted from the value of the ball data in the ball data storage unit 7, the value of the ball data becomes 0, and the value of the ball data disappears from the ball data storage unit 7.

  If the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 has only the prepaid balance without having the value of the possession data, for example, there is no value of the possession data and the prepaid balance Is 5000 yen (50 degrees), as shown in FIG. 7, 125 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2 by the lending / dispensing device 18. Then, from the prepaid balance in the prepaid balance storage unit 8, the number of 5 times that is the frequency corresponding to the game ball is subtracted from 125 pieces.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the game card inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 25 is associated with both the possession ball function and the prepaid function, The game balls are paid out based only on the ball data, but when the value of the possession ball is lost, the game balls are paid out based on the prepaid balance. As a result, it is possible to satisfy the player's expectation that they want to “pay out” immediately without using the prepaid balance as much as possible.

  FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing a counting unit 50 and a CR unit 51 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, portions corresponding to those shown in the embodiment (first embodiment) shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and are described. Is omitted. This third embodiment is different from the first embodiment (the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5) in that a counter unit (device corresponding to each unit) is used instead of the inter-unit unit 1 between adjacent game tables 2. ) 50 and CR unit 51 are disposed. The counting unit 50 and the CR unit 51 make a pair, and the CR unit 51 and the counting unit 50 are associated with the game table 2 on a one-to-one basis. The CR unit 51 and the counting unit 50 are arranged in the left-right direction, and the CR unit 51 and the counting unit 50 arranged in the left-right direction are arranged between the adjacent game tables 2. That is, since the CR unit 51 and the counting unit 50 are arranged in a narrow gap between the adjacent game tables 2, each unit 50, 51 has an elongated shape when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the CR unit 51 is arranged on the right side of the inter-unit unit 1. The CR unit 51 and the counting unit 50 may be configured to communicate with each other, but may be configured to be unable to communicate with each other.

On the front surface of the main body 53 of the CR unit 51, a CR state display section 54, a bill insertion section 55, a display / operation section 56, and a card insertion / discharge section 57 are provided in this order from the top.
For example, the CR state display unit 54 displays whether or not a game ball lending operation is possible by emitting light in a predetermined pattern. The CR state display unit 54 is turned on, for example, when the lending operation is possible.

The banknote insertion part 55, the display / operation part 56, and the card insertion / discharge part 57 are the same as the banknote insertion part 22, the display / operation part 23, and the card insertion / discharge part 25 of the inter-unit unit 1 according to the first embodiment. It has a function.
On the front surface of the main body 58 of the counting unit 50, a counting state display unit 59, a card return button 60, a ball dispensing unit (ball dispensing operation executing means) 61 and a ball card insertion / ejection unit (storage medium reception unit) 62 are provided. Are provided in this order from the top. Further, in the main body 58 of the counting unit 50, a ball counting unit (counting unit) 63 is disposed below the ball card insertion / discharge unit 62 in a front view.

For example, the counting state display unit 59 displays whether or not the counting operation of game balls is possible by emitting light in a predetermined pattern. The CR state display unit 54 is turned on when, for example, the counting operation is possible.
The card return button 60 is operated in order to eject the ball card inserted in the ball card insertion / discharge unit 62 described below.

  The internal ball card insertion / discharge unit 62 has a vertically long slit shape for inserting or discharging a internal ball card (storage medium) on which predetermined information including a card ID is recorded. This game card is issued when the game ball is counted by the counting unit 50 and the game is terminated in a state where the game data is stored in the game data storage unit 7. The card ID of the possession card inserted into the possession card insertion / discharge unit 62 is read by the card R / W unit 70 (storage medium reception unit; see FIG. 9) built in the counting unit 50. After the card ID is read, the ball card is discharged from the ball card insertion / discharge unit 62 and returned to the user. The ball data storage unit 7 stores ball data in association with the card ID of the ball card.

The holding ball dispensing unit 61 includes a nozzle 68 extending rightward to a position directly above an upper plate (not shown) of a game table (not shown), and pays the game ball from the tip of the nozzle 68 to the upper plate of the game table. It is something to be issued. When a holding ball payout button 67 (described later) is operated, a predetermined number of game balls are supplied from the nozzle 68 to the upper plate of the game table.
The ball counting unit 63 is for counting the above-mentioned balls. The ball counting unit 63 is provided with a tray-shaped ball storage unit 65 disposed immediately below the lower plate 14. On the front surface of the ball storage unit 65, a ball display unit 66 for displaying the number of balls (game balls) stored in association with the ball card, and payout of game balls using this ball data A holding ball payout button 67 that is pushed when receiving is disposed. When the own-ball payout button 67 is operated, the own-ball card is issued if the own-ball data stored in the own-ball data storage unit 7 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. On the other hand, when the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7 is less than a predetermined value, a game ball corresponding to the ball data is transferred from the nozzle 68 to an upper plate (not shown) of a game table (not shown). ).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the counting unit 50.
Each coefficient unit 50 is provided with a control unit 75 constituted by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 75 includes a counting state display unit 59, a card return button 60, a ball dispensing unit 61, a ball card R / W unit 70, a ball counting unit 63, a communication I / F unit 41, a time measuring unit 42, and a memory unit 43. The game table I / F unit 44 is electrically connected to each other.

  In a state where the possession card is inserted into the possession card insertion / discharge unit 62 (see FIG. 8), the card ID read from the possession card by the possession card R / W unit 70 is given to the control unit 75. And the control part 75 communicates with the management apparatus 3 via the communication I / F part 41, matches the card ID from the management apparatus 3, and stores the possession data stored in the possession data storage part 7. The value is being acquired. When the holding ball payout button 67 is operated, the control unit 35 drives the holding ball paying unit 24 to pay out the game balls and supplies them to the upper plate 13 through the nozzles 68. In addition, the control unit 35 transmits the card ID and information about the holding ball to the management device 3 via the communication I / F unit 41. The control unit 6 of the management device 3 subtracts a value corresponding to the game ball used for the game of the ball from the ball data stored in the ball data storage unit 7.

In this embodiment, when the possession card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection unit 62, the game balls are paid out immediately within the range of the value of the possession data without the operation of the possession payout button 67 (immediate payout). .
The flow of processing when the coin card is inserted by the control unit 75 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. That is, when a possession card is inserted into the possession card insertion / discharge unit 62, it is checked whether or not the possession data associated with the inserted possession card has a value. If there is a value in the possessed ball data, it is checked whether or not the value of the retained ball data is equal to or greater than a value corresponding to the set number. If the value of the possession ball data is equal to or larger than the value corresponding to the set number, the set number of game balls are paid out and supplied to the upper plate of the game table, and the processing relating to the card insertion is completed. When the value of the possession ball data is less than the value corresponding to the set number, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the possession data is paid out and supplied to the upper plate 13 of the game table 2, and this card insertion The process ends.

Although three embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be implemented in other forms.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a game card has been described as an example of a storage medium. However, a membership card issued to a person registered as a member in a game store may be used as the storage medium. In this case, if the membership card is inserted at a predetermined timing, the possession data and / or the prepaid balance is returned to the membership card in association with the membership card.

The game balls (money balls) to be paid out based on the holding ball data are not limited to those that are paid out from the nozzle 28. For example, it may be paid out by a payout device (ball lending payout device 18) provided in the game table 2.
Further, the game balls (rented balls) to be paid out based on the prepaid value (balance) are not limited to those paid out from the ball lending payout device 18 provided in the game table 2. For example, such game balls (ball rental) may be paid out from the nozzle 28 of the payout unit 24.

  In addition, a mobile phone owned by a player can be used as a storage medium. In this case, the possession data / prepaid card is stored in the possession data storage unit 7 / prepaid balance storage unit 8 of the management device 3 in association with the card IDm which is the manufacturing number of the IC chip of the mobile phone. Using this card IDm as a key, addition / subtraction of the holding data / addition / subtraction of the prepaid balance is performed.

Also, a ball data storage unit (ball data storage unit) 7 for storing the player's ball data, and a prepaid balance storage unit (lending data storage unit) for storing the player's prepaid balance data (ball rental data). ) 8 may be provided in different management apparatuses.
Moreover, the possession data may be directly stored in a game card (storage medium) or a mobile phone (storage medium). Further, not only the possession data but also prepaid balance data (ball rental data) may be directly stored in a game card (storage medium) or a mobile phone (storage medium).

It goes without saying that game medals can be adopted as game media in addition to game balls.
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

Unit between 1 unit (equipment for each unit)
2 Game table 3 Management device 6 Control unit (addition / subtraction means, rental data subtraction means)
7 Mochitama data storage unit (mochitama data storage means)
8 Prepaid balance storage (lending data storage means)
9 Operation input section (input means)
24 Mochitama dispensing part (mochitama dispensing operation execution means)
25 Card insertion / ejection unit (storage medium reception unit)
26 Ball counter (counter)
29 Card R / W unit (storage medium reception unit)
35 Control unit 50 Counting unit (apparatus for each unit)
61 Mochitama dispensing part (mochitama dispensing operation execution means)
62 Mochitama card insertion / ejection unit (storage medium reception unit)
63 Ball counter (counter)
70 Mochitama Card R / W Department (Storage Medium Reception Department)
75 Control unit

Claims (7)

A device corresponding to each device provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a game table for playing a game using a game medium,
A storage medium reception unit that receives a storage medium associated with the ball data related to the ball that is a game medium owned by the player;
A counting unit for counting game media discharged from the gaming table;
A ball payout operation executing means for executing a payout operation for paying out game media to a player based on the ball data,
The number of game media counted by the counting unit is allowed to be added to the value of the possession ball data, and the number of game media paid out by the payout operation by the possession ball payout operation executing means is determined as the Permission means to allow subtraction from the value of the data;
In response to acceptance of the storage medium by the storage medium acceptance unit, the possession ball payout operation is executed on condition that there is a value of the possession ball data associated with the storage medium accepted by the storage medium acceptance unit And a response payout means for paying out game media to a player by executing a payout operation by the means.   2. The device according to claim 1, wherein a preset number is set as the number of game media to be paid out by the response payout means.   If the value of the ball data associated with the storage medium received by the storage medium reception means is less than the value corresponding to the set number, the response payout means corresponds to the value of the ball data 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein a number of game media are paid out. The storage medium is associated with lending data relating to lending of game media, together with the possession data,
Each of the units corresponding devices further includes a lending operation executing means for executing a paying out operation for paying out a game medium to a player based on the lending data,
The permission means includes lending data subtraction permission means for allowing the number of game media paid out to the player by the lending operation execution means to be subtracted from the lending data,
4. The response payout unit executes only a payout operation by the ball payout operation executing unit without executing a payout operation by the lending operation executing unit. Device for each stand as described in 1. The storage medium is associated with lending data relating to lending of game media, together with the possession data,
Each of the units corresponding devices further includes a lending operation executing means for executing a paying out operation for paying out a game medium to a player based on the lending data,
The permission means includes lending data subtraction permission means for allowing the number of game media paid out to the player by the lending operation execution means to be subtracted from the lending data,
When the response payout means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of the ball data, it executes only the payout operation by the ball payout operation executing means without executing the payout operation by the lending operation execution means, 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a payout operation by the lending operation execution unit is executed when the value of the holding ball data is less than a predetermined number. 5. A gaming system comprising: a device corresponding to each device that is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a game table that uses a game medium, and a management device for managing information related to each device. ,
A ball data storage means for storing ball data relating to a ball that is a game medium owned by a player;
A storage medium reception unit for receiving a storage medium associated with the possession data;
A counting unit for counting game media discharged from the gaming table;
A ball payout operation executing means for executing a payout operation for paying out a game medium to the player based on the ball data stored in the ball data storage means;
The number of game media counted by the counting unit is added to the value of the possession ball data, and the number of game media paid out by the payout operation by the possession ball payout operation execution means is calculated from the value of the possession ball data. Addition / subtraction means for subtraction;
In response to acceptance of the storage medium by the storage medium acceptance unit, the possession ball payout operation is executed on condition that there is a value of the possession ball data associated with the storage medium accepted by the storage medium acceptance unit A game system comprising: response payout means for executing a payout operation by means and paying out a game medium to a player. The gaming system executes lending data storage means for storing lending data relating to lending of game media, and a payout operation for paying out game media to a player based on the lending data stored in the lending data storage means. And a lending operation executing means for
The storage medium reception unit receives a storage medium associated with the possession data and the lending data,
The addition / subtraction means includes lending data subtraction means for subtracting the number of game media paid out to the player by the lending operation execution means from the lending data,
7. The gaming system according to claim 6, wherein the response payout means executes only the payout operation by the ball payout operation executing means without executing the payout operation by the lending operation executing means.

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